22 Suggestions for What to Pack in Your Rehearsal Bag

If you’re a performing artist, you know that you spend a lot of time in rehearsal. And there is a lot to do in any given rehearsal, so you want to make the most of the time that you have. You don’t want to hold everyone else up while you search for something that you need. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for anything. Not only do you need to have on hand the tools of your trade, but you also need to have the tools to quickly solve any unexpected issues so that you can get on with the rehearsal. Whether you are an actor, a director, a musician, a dancer, or all of these, there are some things that you should have on hand. Here is a list of suggestions for you to add to your rehearsal bag. You may need all of these or only some depending on the type of rehearsal you are attending and how much space you have in your bag. In any case, you will certainly be glad that you were prepared. I have provided a shopping link for my recommendation of every item in order to make it easier for you.

1. Script and/or Music

This is a no-brainer, but everyone forgets at least once in their lifetime. So it’s a good idea to double-check your bag before you leave home, especially if you were up late reviewing your notes. A borrowed copy of material doesn’t have those notes, so chances are you will miss a cue, a beat, a breath mark, or whatever other special markings you have in your copy.

2. Pencil and Highlighter

You are not being professional if you are not making notes. This usually means marking your material. Before you make a mark on your music or script, however, make sure that you don’t have a copy that has to be returned to the publisher. If you do, then you must stick to light pencil marks that can be easily erased later. Mechanical pencils are best for this because you don't have to worry about sharpening them. And make sure to buy high quality highlighters so the markings really stand out from the page. I like to make or buy my own copies of music and script. That way, I can write and highlight to my heart’s content without worrying about being fined. Be careful with copyright laws, however. Most of the time, they specify how many copies you are allowed to have, so if you copied any extras for your personal use, they will have to be destroyed when you are done with the show. Never use pens. Stage directions and music markings can change and then change back when the original change doesn’t work, and you don’t want to have a bunch of scribbles because you weren’t able to erase.

3. Notebook

I could probably do a whole other post just on the notebook. It's as important as your script or music. I prefer a 3-ring binder so that I can add sections and various non-handwritten material. I make sure I use paper with reinforced holes and I always add a pen/pencil pouch and a small 3-hole punch, both the kind that lay flat and attach to the rings. For scripts, my copy is one-sided so that I have a blank page next to each page of script where I can take notes and even draw lines to specific changes in character motivation. If I’m directing or stage managing, the lines can be marking any number of things including light cues, sound cues, blocking, props notes, etc. For music, I prefer two-sided copies for easier reading. If a piece of music is only two pages long, I will copy the pages such that I do not have to flip to see the second page. I always have a separate section for notes that are more in depth. If I’m directing, I will put a date at the top of the page and put a new note on each line so that I can check them off as I relay information to the actors at the end of the night. If I’m acting, the separate section is filled with notes on character development and suggestions from the director. Music and dance notes can be any myriad of things, from stage diagrams to lyrical contexts, dance routine steps or miscellaneous lists. You can even tape in bits of fabric or magazine cut-outs that inspire you. It’s also a good idea to add a few sheet protectors, an extra seal-able notebook pocket, and a folder page for miscellaneous material.

4. Post-its, sticker note arrows, and tape

Sometimes you can’t write in your script or your music. Sticker note arrows can be used instead. Sometimes you need a note to stick to your music stand or a prop. Post-it notes get the job done quickly and easily. Always have Scotch tape in a travel dispenser so you can repair paper tears. And never, ever, go without a roll of masking tape in your bag, especially if you will be doing any kind of stage setup. An “X” mark on the stage where you or an object is supposed to be will save you a lot of time. And masking tape comes off easily when you are done using it.

5. Pocket knife

This is not just for your bag. I have carried a pocket knife in my pocket every day since I was in college. If you've never carried one, you would be amazed at how many times I have used it and how many people have asked me to borrow it. I prefer a simple one-blade knife, medium size. The Swiss Army knives have so many things packed into them that they are too hard to for me to open. This is the one I carry, but make sure you check yours out in a store before you order. Pocket knives are in the sporting goods section. Pick out a few to try. Find the right size and the right hand grip for you. Make sure you can open and close it easily.

6. Headphones and recording device with playback

If you want to make the most of your downtime, find a quiet hallway and rehearse on your own or with a partner. This can mean running lines, recording your voice and listening to playback, listening to musical cues, practicing chord changes, running dance steps, etc. Purchase a good recording device with playback and headphones for this. Of course if you’re not going to be in the rehearsal space, make sure someone who is there knows where you are and can come get you quickly when it’s go time. You don’t want to make the other performers have to pause rehearsal to wait for you. For the same reason, don’t go too far away.

7. Rehearsal clothes

Depending on what activity you came from and what your particular rehearsal is for, you may want to put an extra set of clothes in your bag. If you’ve come from your day job, change out of your work attire. You won’t get it dirty and you will be more comfortable. Wear something light because you will be hot under the stage lights. If you are an actor, wear your costume as soon as the costume designer will let you. You need to get used to moving in it. Otherwise, wear something similar to your costume, especially if your costume will be restricting your movement or is really flowy. For example, if your costume will involve a corset, buy your own corset to wear for rehearsal. And unless it is required for your performance, don’t wear clothes with prints or large writing. It is distracting to other performers and to a director. Screen actors should especially be careful not to wear tight patterns. The camera really doesn’t like them. Wear solid colors, but not neon or other light-catching ones. Wear black if you are a stagehand or anyone else behind the scenes.

8. Warm clothes that you can layer

You’ll be hot under the lights but cold when you’re in downtime. And there is always downtime. Theatres are notoriously cold and you will want to be able to throw on a sweater or sweatshirt. You can also use a light travel blanket or large scarf. They are both designed to be less bulky so will fit in your bag more easily if it’s already stuffed with your other supplies.

9. Shoes

There are a number of reasons that you should not use your street shoes on stage. Dancers will have specialized shoes, but this really applies to any performing artist. First of all, as dirty as they seem sometimes, you really don’t want to get street grime on the stage. You could get something sticky or slick on the floor and neither of those are appealing to a performer. We don’t want to fall onstage or make loud sticky noises when we walk. Not to mention, somebody will be dancing on that floor, whether it’s you or someone else, and it’s much harder to dance on a scratched up floor. It’s also particularly nasty if you are dancing barefoot. Don’t wear loud shoes unless you need to for your particular activity because the clickity-clack can be distracting. If you’re wearing taps, for goodness sake make sure the nails on the bottom are flush with the taps. Otherwise, they will scratch the floor. I once had a tap dance teacher who was very strict about this. She wouldn’t let us wear our taps anywhere but the dance floor and she had to personally witness us check the taps every time we stepped out for the first time in each rehearsal. Actors, wear the shoes that you will be performing in. They will change how you walk, and that is part of your character. Musicians who don’t have special shoes to begin with, like an organist, should wear softer soles so they don’t crush sound system cords if they accidentally step on them. Of course, stepping on them will hurt more, but I bet you’ll pay more attention next time. If you can, wear nonslip shoes so you don’t fall on stage.

10. Makeup

Stage lights will wash you out so make sure you bring extra makeup, especially if the lighting designer will be there. He needs to adjust the lights so that you will look your best. Male musicians, don’t be afraid to wear a little makeup. Actors and dancers have been doing it for years. Just adjust for the venue (how far you will be from the audience, whether you will have lights on you, etc.) If nothing else, wear face powder so you’re not shiny. I think Ben Nye makes the best stage makeup. And when you're ready to take it off, use a makeup remover wipe.